Food Allergies in Dogs

Dr. Laci Schaible

Food allergies compromise approximately 10% of all dog allergies and, because of this low percentage, they may have historically been dismissed or only mentioned in passing by many vets. However, as more and more pet parents become proactive about their dogs’ health, conversations about food allergies are happening more frequently in vets' offices.

Most often, food allergies are caused by protein in the pet’s food eliciting a reaction in the immune system. Often, the protein source is animal-based (meats, eggs, or dairy), but sometimes a carbohydrate source can be involved too. The most common ingredients that dogs have allergies to include beef, chicken, eggs, milk, fish, horsemeat, potatoes, soy, corn, wheat gluten, or additives.

Symptoms

The most common clinical signs of a food allergy are severe itching, scratching, and chewing. Small red bumps, pustules, and infection can sometimes accompany itching. In dogs, the paws, flank, groin, neck, and ears are commonly affected. Dogs with food allergies often have recurrent ear infections. It is rare for a puppy to develop true food allergies, as the pet has to be exposed to the allergen repeatedly.

Food allergies can also present with gastrointestinal components. GI signs include chronic vomiting (typically not with an acute onset), diarrhea or loose stools, belching, and frequent bowel movements and/or flatulence. GI signs do fluctuate a bit more than skin problems, but a long history of “troubled GI system” is not uncommon. Pets may suffer from both skin and GI symptoms. Unlike canine atopy and flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies are not seasonal, however GI symptoms may wax and wane to some degree.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

No single specific test can diagnose a food allergy. Allergen blood testing is available, but it is more appropriate for canine atopy and is not a reliable way to identify what food allergen your pet may be allergic to.

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